Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1993

Review of the Estate

Château Mouton Rothschildis a wine estate located in the village ofPauillacin theMédoc, 50 km (30 mi) north-west of the city ofBordeaux,France. Its redwineof the same name is regarded as one of the world's greatestclarets. Originally known asChâteau Brane-Moutonit was renamed by Nathaniel de Rothschildin 1853 toChâteau Mouton Rothschild. It was the first estate to begin completechâteau bottlingof the harvest.

The branch of theRothschild familyowning Chateau Mouton Rothschild are members of thePrimum Familiae Vini.

TheBordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855was based entirely on recent market prices for a vineyard's wines, with one exception: Château Mouton Rothschild. Despite the market prices for their vineyard's wines equalling that ofChâteau Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild was excluded fromFirst Great Growthstatus, an act thatBaron Philippe de Rothschildreferred to as "the monstrous injustice". It is widely believedthat the exception was made because the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.

In 1973, Chateau Mouton Rothschild was elevated to "first growth" status after decades of intense lobbying by its powerful and influential owner,the only change in the original 1855 classification (excepting the 1856 addition ofChâteau Cantemerle). This prompted a change ofmotto: previously, the motto of the wine wasPremier ne puis, second ne daigne, Mouton suis.("First, I cannot be. Second, I do not deign to be. Mouton I am."), and it was changed toPremier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change.("First, I am. Second, I used to be. Mouton does not change.")

Robert Parker Mouton Rothschild 1993 Review

Score: 90 Points

This beautifully made wine could be considered a sleeper of the vintage. The wine boasts a dark purple color, followed by a sweet, pain grille, roasted nut, and cassis-scented bouquet that is just beginning to open. In the mouth, the wine may not possesses the body and volume of a vintage such as 1990 or 1989, but there is more richness of fruit, a sweet, ripe, purness to the wine, as well as medium body and outstanding balance. This moderately tannic, well-focused, surprisingly rich 1993 is capable of 15-20 years of evolution. Anticipated maturity : 2004-2015.